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■■ NEWS Ordinances impacting youth offenders advance in Commission
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
Shelby County Commissioners approved a handful of reform-minded ordinances that extend the rights of youthful o enders – including requiring legal representation and recorded interrogations – during the Monday, Oct. 14 meeting.
e proposal would only apply to the Shelby County Sheri ’s O ce. e Memphis Police Department, along with departments from other municipalities, would be exempt.
“What it does add is some portions under legal representation. It requires the presence of an interested adult, which is not in the state statute. It also requires a prohibition on waiver, meaning that a child cannot waive that right,” said Jamika White, special counsel to the commission.
Unlike adults, recorded interrogations of youthful suspects aren’t required by state statute either. e proposal would add the requirements within the county, while not contradicting state law.
“I want to make sure all justice-involved youth have an opportunity to have their interrogations recorded. Just like adults,” said sponsor Erika Sugarmon.
e item passed on its rst reading 7-0-4.
e rst proposal o ered by Sugarmon locally codi es a law recently added to the state’s books.
It requests the SCSO to provide rehabilitative services to youths in their custody. Along with the main lockup at 201 Poplar, Shelby County Sheri Floyd Bonner is also responsible for youth lockup facilities.
Along with programs geared towards re-entry, the request includes the education programs for youths, so they can transition to classroom settings once released. e request includes the
possibility of vocational training.
e SCSO currently provides education services to youths in custody. e ordinance also calls for those services to extend to youths that age into the adult system when they turn 18. Many are still in high school, or of age.
e proposal hasn’t been discussed with Bonner yet.
“ is particular ordinance, no we have not. Again, we have two more readings and I welcome hearing from him. It’s open,” said Sugarmon.
It was approved on a 4-1-5 vote.
e second ordinance o ered by Sugarmon requests the juvenile court judge to provide juveniles, their parents or caregivers with written noti cation of the youth’s possible expungement
rights.
If o ered, expungement e ectively wipes the slate clean, legally speaking.
e youth’s criminal record is erased when they become adults.
e problem is, due to the “ uid” living situations of many in the system, noti cation of expungement gets lost in the mail.
Sugarmon has reached out to Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon and Juvenile Court Clerk Janeen Gordon about the proposal. ey are “looking at it.”
e ordinance passed on a 6-1-4 vote.
e items are expected to be brought up again. ese ordinance are uid because it’s a rst reading.
Tri-State Defender
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
VP Kamala Harris unveils extensive agenda for Black men, promises wealthbuilding and opportunity as election nears
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled an extensive agenda designed to dismantle systemic barriers and foster new opportunities for Black men across America. e agenda, announced on October 14, spotlights wealth-building, health equity, criminal justice reform, and expanded education and job training access. Her plan follows recent controversial remarks by former President Barack Obama, who addressed concerns about voter turnout among Black men and stressed the importance of participating in the election.
Obama’s comments in Pittsburgh were roundly criticized as scapegoating Black men, though he emphasized the high stakes of the 2024 election, noting that some African American males might hesitate to vote. He suggested that part of the reluctance could stem from discomfort with the idea of a woman president. Harris’s plan aims to address the speci c needs of Black men, with initiatives focused on nancial empowerment, healthcare, and education.
Forgivable Loans and Wealth Creation
Harris’s economic plan centers on wealth-building and supporting Black entrepreneurship. Her administration would provide one million forgivable loans, each up to $20,000, to help Black men and others who have faced signi cant barriers to starting a business. By partnering with community banks and mission-driven lenders, Harris aims to make capital accessible to Black entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand businesses in elds ranging from technology to landscaping and beyond.
Additionally, Harris has proposed a signi cant expansion of the Small Business Startup Tax Deduction, increasing it from $5,000 to $50,000, which would allow Black entrepreneurs to o set startup costs. She also plans to boost access to venture capital, low-interest loans, and incubators speci cally for Black-owned businesses. Recognizing that Black entrepreneurs are frequently denied credit, Harris’s plan includes reforms to expand a ordable banking services and crack down on hidden fees that inhibit
Pathways to High-Demand Jobs and Expanded Education Access
Harris’s agenda promotes education, training, and mentorship programs to equip Black men with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand elds. Her plan emphasizes registered apprenticeships and credentialing programs, which would provide handson training for jobs in sectors like cybersecurity, renewable energy, and healthcare. She also seeks to eliminate unnecessary college degree requirements for 500,000 federal jobs, making these roles more accessible to Black men who may not have pursued higher education.
To increase the representation of Black male teachers—a crucial role model for young Black students— Harris said she plans to invest in teacher training programs through the Department of Education. By
collaborating with HBCUs and MSIs, the Democratic presidential nominee hopes to build a pipeline for Black male educators, addressing the severe underrepresentation in this profession, where only 1% of teachers are Black men. Research has shown that Black students bene t academically and socially when they have Black male teachers, yet structural barriers have prevented many from entering the eld. Harris also supports the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to attract and retain Black male teachers, ensuring they have a pathway to long-term careers in education.
Health Equity and Addressing Medical Debt
Health equity remains a cornerstone of Harris’s agenda. She has introduced a National Health Equity Initiative focused on Black men, which would address
wealth accumulation in Black communities.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh. (Photo: @kamalaharris on Instagram)
From Page 5
■■ PERSPECTIVE
high rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, prostate cancer, and sickle cell disease. Harris proposes capping insulin costs at $35 per month and limiting outof-pocket expenses on prescription drugs to $2,000 annually. Additionally, she said she would expand funding for sickle cell research and build a national database to improve prevention and treatment.
To tackle the burden of medical debt, which disproportionately a ects Black men, Harris proposes removing medical debt from credit reports and working with states to relieve outstanding medical debt. e e ort would help Black men access better credit, opening doors for homeownership and business nancing.
Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Opportunities in Legal Cannabis
e vice president also has committed to legalizing recreational marijuana at the federal level, which she argues will reduce incarceration rates for Black men and create economic opportunities in the emerging cannabis industry. By working with Congress to ensure the safe cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana, Harris would remove longstanding barriers that have disproportionately impacted Black men. Her plan would establish pathways for Black men to access licenses and jobs in the legal cannabis sector, providing a chance to build wealth in a market that has historically excluded them.
Affordable Housing, Homeownership, and Financial Literacy
Harris further proposes building three million a ordable housing units during her rst term to address the housing crisis. She would o er up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for rst-time homebuyers, aiming to triple the number of new Black homeowners annually by the end of her term.
e initiative would speci cally target those who have been unable to buy homes due to a lack of generational wealth, which disproportionately a ects Black families.
Still, another facet of her plan would tackle racial bias in home appraisals, a pervasive issue that o en results in undervalued properties in majority-Black neighborhoods. Her proposal would mandate training and accountability measures for appraisers to ensure that Black homeowners receive fair property valuations, helping to close the racial wealth gap.
Community Events and Outreach
As part of her outreach to Black men, the Harris-Walz campaign is launching several community-centered events. e “Black Men Huddle Up” initiative will feature NFL and NCAA watch parties in battleground states, where Black men can discuss the upcoming election and its implications for their communities. In addition, the campaign will host a series of Economic Freedom Talks, with notable Black entrepreneurs discussing strategies for business growth and nancial independence. Harris’s team is ramping up its Shop Talk series, Brother to Brother
canvass events, and launching new testimonial ads to reach Black voters in states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan.
In Stark Contrast to Trump’s Agenda
Harris’s proposals directly counter Donald Trump’s Project 2025, which she argues would dismantle progress for Black communities. Trump’s plan includes:
• Reinstating stop-and-frisk practices.
• Cutting funding for urban education.
• Eliminating critical programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which many Black families rely on.
Harris’s agenda seeks to o er Black men a comprehensive path to economic stability and success, positioning her as the candidate dedicated to addressing their unique challenges.
Harris’s detailed plan appears to o er Black men a vision of leadership, opportunity, and economic empowerment, which she argues is essential for the future of Black communities. She believes investing in education, health, and wealth-building would help address systemic inequities and build a path to prosperity for Black men nationwide.
“Donald Trump could care less about equipping hardworking Americans with the tools needed to get ahead,” campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond stated. “While Vice President Harris is promising to equip Black men with the tools needed to pursue our dreams and aspirations, Donald Trump is promising Black men in America a national nightmare.”
“We believe the reset will help us to move more quickly toward our goal of creating a system that better connects our residents with jobs, healthcare, and essential services.”
— Mayor Paul Young
‘CLEAN SLATE’ at MATA
After reviewing damning report, Young overturns MATA board, seeking fresh approach to tough transit issues
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has overhauled the leadership of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), replacing its entire board in response to a damning report that highlighted operational failures and nancial mismanagement plaguing the transit system.
e nine new appointees to the MATA Board, including local business leaders and community gures, were con rmed earlier this week.
e move is widely seen as an e ort to reset MATA’s direction following the ndings of an independent assessment from TransPro Consulting, which detailed a signi cant gap between MATA’s service delivery and the needs of Memphis residents.
“ is move is more about creating a clean-slate environment,” Mayor Young said in a statement. “A er months of analysis, we received TransPro’s initial dra report, which clearly spells out the challenges facing our transit system and the need to move with expediency.”
A Tipping Point for MATA
e TransPro report, received earlier this month, revealed systemic problems at MATA, including unreliable bus
service, poor customer satisfaction, and severe nancial constraints.
According to the report, nearly a third of scheduled buses either never arrive or are signi cantly late, leaving many of Memphis’ most vulnerable residents—particularly low-income workers—without reliable transportation to jobs, healthcare, and essential services.
Public hearings over the past year have ampli ed concerns, with citizens repeatedly voicing frustrations over lengthy wait times, inadequate communication, and cuts to vital routes. e
Memphis City Council has long pushed MATA for greater transparency and even threatened subpoenas to uncover more detailed nancial records earlier this year .
New Faces, New Challenges
e newly appointed board members
inherit a system in crisis, tasked with addressing both the operational shortfalls and the severe budgetary challenges outlined in the report. ey are:
Brandon Arrindale
Cynthia Bailey
Emily Greer
Sandi Klink
Brian Mar ak
Jackson McNeil
Anna McQuiston
Dana Pointer
Maya Siggers
One of the immediate hurdles the board will face is MATA’s significant budget deficit, which stands at approximately $60 million. While federal grants under programs like Section 5307 and Section 5310 continue to provide crucial support, MATA’s dependence on external funding complicates efforts to improve service without increasing
fares or reducing routes.
Among the key projects on the board’s agenda are the procurement of new electric buses, funded partially by federal grants, and implementing fare system upgrades designed to improve customer experience. Yet, even with these advancements, public con dence in MATA remains low—a fact that the new board will need to address headon.
Public Impact and Accountability
While the mayor’s overhaul of the board signals a strong desire for change, the question remains: can this new leadership team meaningfully impact MATA’s service delivery, given its deep-rooted nancial and operational challenges?
“We believe the reset will help us to move more quickly toward our goal of creating a system that better connects our residents with jobs, healthcare, and essential services,” Young also said in his statement.
As MATA moves into a new chapter under fresh leadership, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For thousands of Memphians relying on public transit to get to work, school, and healthcare, the time for improvement is now.
MLGW proposal takes aim at identifying; replacing lead service lines on private property
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
When it comes to banishing lead from its infrastructure, Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has been ahead of the curve. e utility hasn’t installed lead water pipes in well over 60 years.
However, service lines on private property—the underground and inhome pipes that bring water to the faucet—are a di erent story. In many older homes, these pipes still pose a disproportionate health risk to low-income residents in aging neighborhoods.
To address this, MLGW hopes to launch a pilot program aimed at identifying and replacing lead service lines on private property, with the help of federal funding.
“It’s necessary for the health and safety of all Memphians, especially the most vulnerable,” said MLGW Chief Operating O cer Doug McGowen during a recent presentation previewing the program. While the speci cs of implementation are still being re ned, McGowen emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to mitigate the risks of lead exposure.
Memphis residents can check the status of their service lines through an online tool, (https://www.mlgw.com/ waterservicelines) where homeowners can search by address to nd out whether their lines contain lead, galvanized steel, or other materials.
e tool also o ers steps residents can take in the meantime to reduce exposure, including running their water for at least 20 seconds before consuming it. is allows any lead sediment inside the pipes to ush through.
MLGW also uses sodium hexametaphosphate, an anti-corrosive but otherwise chemically inert additive, to do its work. Sodium hexametaphos-
phate coats the inside of pipes, helping to reduce the risk of lead leaching into the water.
Pilot Program to Address Lead on Private Property
Although MLGW has a framework in place for its lead service line replacement program, the details are still being re ned. On Monday, MLGW hosted a roundtable meeting with stakeholders, including members of the Lead Safe Collaborative, the health department, city council, and other agencies. e goal of the meeting was to gather input and ensure that the program addresses
the needs of the community.
e utility has already replaced thousands of utility-owned lead service lines since 2012, but the challenge now is replacing the lines that fall under private ownership. ese are the lines that run from the water meter into homes— an area where lead contamination risks remain high, especially in older and low-income neighborhoods.
“We’re bringing people together to get their input,” McGowen explained. “ is is about doing the right thing for people, particularly those in disadvantaged areas who might not be able to
a ord the private-side replacements.” MLGW’s proposed pilot program would identify 10-15 “quali ed homes” to replace the water lines. e idea is to not only take care of these customers, but to re ne a process for executing future jobs.
But McGowen acknowledged that xing pipes on private property raises prickly questions. e most obvious is, of course, who pays for it: MLGW? e homeowner? What if the property owner is a cash-rich out of town investor who can a ord the replacement themselves? If not, what about the
This snapshot from the MLGW public water service map show some of the lead issues existing in the Vollintine-Evergreen area of Memphis. The legend helps breakdown where “the line” between MLGW pipes and private property pipes are. When using the online tool customers will need to zoom in to street level to best see the material-location symbols. Note: Customer property side material is on the RIGHT side of the circle -- regardless of where the property is located on a map.
■■ COMMUNITY
seconds before drinking, which helps ush out any stagnant water that may have absorbed lead from the pipes.
“This is about doing the right thing for people, particularly those in disadvantaged areas who might not be able to afford the private-side replacements.”
— Doug McGowen
tenants who will live with the health consequences?
“ is is a controversial issue,” McGowen said. “Many times, public sector funding to be used on a private property is an issue, and I understand that issue.
“Just like ratepayer money, which is not what we’re talking about here, being used,” he continued. “Let’s say you don’t have a lead service line. You wouldn’t want your water rates going up to pay for someone else’s lead service line on their private property to be replaced. at doesn’t seem fair either.”
With federal funds on the table, including allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act and State Revolving Loan Funds, MLGW is poised to make a signi cant push.
e utility estimates it can replace over 10,000 public-side lines and more
than 6,000 private-side lines within the next 10 years.
is initiative, which requires a total investment of $110 million, aims to address the long-standing issue of lead exposure in drinking water for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
One of the key goals of the program is to assist income-qualifying residents who may otherwise be unable to a ord the replacement of their private-side lines. MLGW has stressed that without this assistance, many households would continue to be exposed to lead-contaminated water.
Everyday Steps for Water Safety
While MLGW prepares for the launch of its replacement program, residents are encouraged to take immediate precautions to reduce the risks of lead exposure. One of the simplest actions is to run water for at least 20
Additionally, MLGW’s proven corrosion control program utilizes sodium hexametaphosphate, an anti-corrosive additive that coats the inside of pipes. is coating prevents lead from leaching into the water, making it a vital part of the utility’s ongoing e orts to protect public health.
Implementation Raises Questions
Despite the bene ts of the pilot program, there are several hurdles to overcome.
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with rental properties and multifamily units, where the lines may service multiple tenants. MLGW is working to develop strategies to ensure equitable access to the program for renters, who are o en the most a ected by lead exposure but have the least control over their living conditions. e pilot program also raises questions about how the costs of private-side replacements will be managed and whether homeowners will be required to contribute nancially. While federal funding can cover some of the costs, MLGW has yet to nalize how expenses will be shared, particularly for properties that don’t meet income
quali cations.
Economic Opportunities for MWBE Businesses
McGowen was clear: MLGW won’t be getting into the private pipe replacement business. e pilot is simply for research & development purposes. But MLGW does want to continue to be in the “giving quali ed MWBE contractors some business” business. e utility has emphasized the importance of building a reliable contractor base capable of handling the scale of replacements required across the city. is initiative opens doors for MWBE-certi ed contractors, especially in plumbing, excavation, and related services. MLGW aims to ensure that small businesses bene t from the project by creating new jobs and providing pathways for them to contribute to the city’s infrastructure development.
“We want to build local capacity and add more jobs, particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses,” he said. “ is is an opportunity for them to get involved and grow their companies as we work to replace thousands of service lines across the city. We’re trying to structure the program in a way that provides consistent, reliable work for contractors over the next several years.”
MLGW CEO Doug McGowen explains some of the data behind the utility company's proposed program aimed at identifying and replacing lead service pipes on private property. After a pilot program on 10-15 homes, the plan is to outsource the work to area contractors. (Photo: Lee Eric Smiht/Tri-State Defender)
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
e 2024 Memphis EDGE Awards, hosted ursday morning at Shelby Farms’ FedEx Event Center, celebrated a wide range of businesses, individuals, and projects that are shaping the city’s economic and cultural landscape. While key leaders like U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen and Memphis Mayor Paul Young were recognized, the spotlight shined brightest on the local entrepreneurs whose hard work is driving grassroots change in the community.
Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken, a wellknown favorite for its mouthwatering Southern-style dishes, was awarded the ICED Loan Impact Business of the Year. Owners Riko and Ti any Wiley took the stage with pride, crediting the journey to the support of both EDGE and his loyal Memphis customers. He also shouted out another award winner, Curtis Givens.
“I want to thank God, my family, my team. And I want to give it up for all my entrepreneurs in the room,” Riko Wiley said. “And Curtis Givens, you motivated me more than a lot. It ain’t easy being a small business and nothing we do is small. ank y’all!”
Princeton Jones, a 13-year-old entrepreneur, was recognized as Kidpreneur of the Year for his business, Fab Dawgs & More. Jones has already made a name for himself with his gourmet hot dogs, and his ambition impressed attendees.
“ ank you for the EDGE program, for my mom and dad, and my church, e Healing Center,” said the young businessman, decked out in sparkles. “And thank you for my supporters — this would never have happened without your support and thank you for this wonderful moment!”
Another standout honoree was Curtis Givens, founder of CGI En-
Local entrepreneurs and innovators highlighted at 2024 Memphis EDGE Awards
tertainment, who was presented with the Culture Makers Award. Givens has been synonymous with Memphis nightlife for years, creating spaces and events that have become integral parts of the city’s cultural identity.
“I want to thank you guys for recognizing the arts and entertainment as an important part of building a vibrant city,” Givens said. “And I will continue to do my part for making the city fun and creating jobs.”
Other awards celebrating bigger projects and economic drivers were lauded as well:
Economic Impact Project of the Year: Awarded to the I-55 Bridge Funding project, with Congressman Steve Cohen accepting the honor.
Leadership Award: Presented to Mayor Lee Harris, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, and Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell for their commitment to the region’s growth.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Given to Mark Herbison, recognizing his long-standing contributions to Memphis and Shelby County.
e MemX Initiative: A Vision for Memphis’s Future
While the awards celebrated current achievements, the event also o ered a glimpse into the future of Memphis’s economic development through the MemX initiative. Andre Fowlkes, President of Start Co., a Memphis-based venture development organization, spoke about the goals of MemX.
Designed to foster greater economic cooperation and innovation, MemX aims to align local talent, technology, and resources to ensure the city remains competitive in the face of shi ing job markets.
“We’re talking about the future of work,” Fowlkes said, in laying out a bold vision for MemX. “Over the next ve years, 23 percent of Memphis jobs will move away. We need to ask
ourselves, are we putting in the right policies? Are we advocating for future change?”
MemX aims to prepare the city by attracting new industries and fostering collaboration between local startups, mid-sized companies, and major corporations.
“Memphis is already a hub for logistics, mobility, and electri cation,” Fowlkes noted, highlighting major developments like the new Ford plant in West Tennessee and ongoing research at local universities. MemX will work to connect these industries with local talent and resources, further solidifying Memphis as a center of innovation.
“We’re looking at net job creation and creating better bridges with other regions across the country to support startups, companies that are commercializing new products, and businesses trying to scale,” he said.
By creating an economic development fund to match local grants and fostering public-private partnerships, MemX is aiming to align Memphis’s economic future with the needs of its community. As Fowlkes said, “It’s about capacity building, and it’s about making sure everyone has a seat at the table.”
With the success stories of Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken, Princeton Jones, and Curtis Givens as examples, the 2024 EDGE Awards not only celebrated what Memphis has achieved, but also painted a bold picture of where the city is headed.
e 2024 EDGE Awards were a reminder that while major infrastructure projects and large-scale leadership are crucial, it is the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders who truly make Memphis a vibrant, dynamic place to live and work.
Riko Wiley (right), co-owner of Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken, celebrates receiving the ICED Loan Impact Business of the Year Award alongside his wife and business partner, Trina Wiley (second from right). (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ BUSINESS
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Curtis Givens, founder of CGI Entertainment, receives the Culture Makers Award for his contributions to Memphis’s cultural and nightlife scenes. He is joined by State Senator London Lamar (left), Katie Smythe of New Ballet Ensemble (right), and Dr. Joann Massey, CEO of EDGE (second from right).
Princeton Jones (second from right), owner of Fab Dawgs & More, proudly holds his Kidpreneur of the Year Award. Standing to his left is Aidan Hubbard, owner of Mr. Lemonade and the 2023 Kidpreneur of the Year. The two young moguls are flanked by “40 Under 40” honoree Trey Moore, and Dr. Joann Massey of EDGE.
By TSD Newsroom
■■ COMMUNITY
Dozens rally for environmental justice at Alonzo Weaver Park
e Environmental Justice NOW rally was originally scheduled for September, but Hurricane Francine forced the event to be moved to its Oct. 12 “rain date.” And while the weather in Memphis was perfect, Hurricane Milton was tearing up Florida just days a er Hurricane Helene shredded the Sunshine State.
KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP), made sure to point that out to those gathered at Alonzo Weaver Park for the rally.
“Climate change is here right now,” Pearson said. “Our communities have been le behind and disregarded, so we need environmental justice now, especially since extreme weather is impacting us more severely.”
e event focused on raising awareness about local environmental issues, including climate change impacts and concerns over Elon Musk’s xAI data center and other energy-intensive projects like cryptomining. Residents have voiced unease over how swi ly the xAI project has moved forward without proper permits or public scrutiny.
“We have been reaching out to xAI with no response,” Pearson noted. “It seems like they’ve bypassed the democratic process, and we want to know how they’ve been able to move forward so quickly.”
MCAP, alongside other environmental advocacy groups, is particularly worried about the potential strain cryptomining could place on Memphis’s already vulnerable power infrastructure. e rally served as a platform to encourage community involvement in petitioning local and federal authorities for more oversight. Pearson urged
attendees to join e orts to pressure the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality to hold the xAI project accountable.
“ is is just the beginning,” Pearson said. “We are seeing a cryptomining facility in East Memphis, and there will likely be more to come unless we take action now.”
While Saturday’s rally drew around 75 participants, attendance was likely impacted by competing events, including an alumni festival at nearby Mitchell High School. However, those who attended remained committed to MCAP’s cause. Pearson, re ecting on the turnout, emphasized that the battle for environmental justice continues, regardless of the numbers present.
e rally highlighted not only the current issues but also MCAP’s past successes. e organization played a central role in the ght against the Byhalia Pipeline project, which would have run through predominantly Black neighborhoods in South Memphis.
In 2021, a er intense community opposition led by MCAP, the pipeline project was canceled, marking a significant victory for local environmental justice.
“ is is where the idea that every man is equal beneath the law blossomed into a justice movement that transformed the nation,” one young speaker said in his remarks. “You can’t place a price tag on people power because the power is always vested in the hands of the people. People over pro t is our call to action, and nothing can rival the power of the people.”
Despite the relatively modest turnout, MCAP remains committed to its mission. “We need external pressures— federal, state, and local—to ensure our
air and water are protected,” Pearson said, urging attendees to stay vigilant and active.
Next Steps:
MCAP plans to continue petitioning for greater oversight of cryptomining
facilities and other environmental threats. e organization encourages residents to join their upcoming petition drives and advocacy campaigns aimed at safeguarding Memphis’s environment for future generations.
A speaker addresses attendees at the rally, urging continued advocacy for protecting vulnerable communities from environmental harm.
Community members gather at Alonzo Weaver Park to rally for environmental justice, calling for accountability on issues like climate change and local pollution. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith Tri-State Defender)
By LiAudwin Seaberry Special to The Tri-State Defender
Sure, there was a game to talk about, a 106-63 loss to the reigning NCAA National Women’s Champions, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
But University of Memphis women’s basketball coach Alex Simmons made sure to focus attention on the reason for the Hoops for St. Jude Tip-O Classic: e lives touched by St. Jude and how a recent visit impacted her team about the importance of the iconic institution.
“Our tour guide has a son who found out that he had cancer when he was 8, and she was able to give us some rsthand experience of knowing someone in that situation,” Simmons said, speaking of the visit to St. Jude. “I had the mentality that this could potentially be my child, so what can I do to help?”
e contest was part of a doubleheader, which also saw the North Carolina Tar Heels down Memphis 84-76. e ticket sales from both games bene ted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which ghts to save the lives of children diagnosed with cancer.
Simmons wasn’t the only person moved by her visit to St. Jude. Memphis guard Tanyuel Welch made her rst appearance since 2023 a er su ering a knee injury last year. She scored 12 points, grabbed three rebounds, and accumulated four assists in the loss. Welch is happy to be healthy enough to play, and even a er her solid game, her mind was on the kids at the hospital. “Honestly, it felt surreal, and it was a very special moment being back out on the court with the team. is was a very special moment for me,” Welch said.
“However, the experience at St. Jude
■■ SPORTS
Memphis women’s basketball finds deeper purpose during St. Jude Tip-Off Classic
“St. Jude gives people hope, and being able to talk with research doctors and patients can be overwhelming, but it definitely gives us all perspective. I just hope our players know that there’s a lot more going on outside of their existence that’s much more dire.”
— Dawn Staley
reminded me to be grateful because there are kids ghting life-changing situations, and yet there’s people who complain about everyday things.”
e signi cance of the event wasn’t
just felt on the side of the home team.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley grew emotional when discussing her team’s visit to St. Jude.
“St. Jude gives people hope, and being able to talk with research doctors and patients can be overwhelming, but it de nitely gives us all perspective,” Staley said a er the game. “I just hope our players know that there’s a lot more going on outside of their existence that’s much more dire.”
Memphis shooting guard Tilly Boler, who led the Tigers with 16 points, also
shared her thoughts on St. Jude and how she keeps things in perspective. She visited the hospital during her time at Jackson State, but the team’s visit on Monday really impacted her mindset and viewpoint on life.
“I connected with one of the girls there, and I started to get emotional, but I did not let her see it, because she’s ghting something much more serious,” Boler said. “I walked out of there just more grateful and appreciative for what I have.”
Memphis forward Hannah Riddick (34) attempts a layup under pressure from South Carolina’s Aaliyah Fagins during the St. Jude Tip-Off Classic. (Photos: Terry Davis/TriState Defender.)
Former WNBA star and current USC Coach Dawn Staley signals in the play. USC dominated the Lady Tigers 106-63, But players and coaches from both teams talked about St. Jude and its work for sick children.
By Terry Davis Special to The Tri-State Defender
It may have been an exhibition game, but the Memphis Tigers faced a formidable opponent in the No. 9-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels at FedExForum in the St. Jude Classic. Neither team wanted to give up an early advantage, as the game was announced only a couple of weeks prior, drawing a strong crowd. In the end, North Carolina pulled away for an 84-76 victory. On participating in the charity event, Penny Hardaway said, “I am so appreciative to be a part of this game for St. Jude Research Hospital. It was an exhibition game we wanted and were happy to have. It does me a ton of good to see where we are. I’m not trying to be the best coach in October. We did some great things tonight.”
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis re ected on his team’s performance, noting the learning opportunities: “ ere were teaching points on almost every possession. is will give us examples to grow from and learn from.”
Both teams also visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital before the game. “I told the team that a blessing is not just for you, it can work through you to bene t somebody else,” said Davis. “Our team and program was blessed by spending time at St. Jude.”
Tigers Take Early Lead, Falter in the Second Half Memphis led 39-36 at hal ime, with
Memphis Falls to No. 9 North Carolina in St. Jude Classic Exhibition
Terry Davis
Hardaway rotating 10 players, all of whom scored at least once. P.J. Haggerty led the Tigers with 9 points and 4 rebounds in the rst half.
However, the Tar Heels stormed back with a 13-3 run in the opening minutes of the second half. Memphis cut the lead to six with just over three minutes le , bringing the crowd back into the game. Despite the late surge, the Tigers couldn’t overcome North Carolina’s depth and experience.
North Carolina was led by Seth Trimble, who scored 33 points. Jaylen Washington added 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Elliot Cadeau tallied 13 assists and 13 points. e Tar Heels shot an impressive 54% from beyond the arc, hitting six of their eight three-pointers in the second half.
Hardaway was pleased with his team’s rst-half performance but admitted the second half showed room for improvement: “In the rst half, we got out and shared the basketball. What I didn’t like was our tempo. We didn’t push as hard as I wanted to push.”
Haggerty Shines in Tigers Debut Haggerty nished with a game-high 34 points and 9 rebounds. Nicholas Jourdain and Colby Rodgers each added 11 points. Memphis struggled from three-point range, shooting only 21% on 5-for-24 shooting.
On his rst game for Memphis, Haggerty said, “It was a very exciting game, even though it didn’t count. Playing with my new team for the rst time was a great experience, even though we lost. It will not de ne us.”
Rodgers echoed the sentiment, saying, “It was exciting to play North Carolina in the rst game. It’s a good test to see where we are. We’re going to be playing our best basketball in March, not in October.”
Looking Ahead
e Tigers will face another tough test in their second exhibition game on Monday, October 28, when they travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to take on No. 2 Alabama. e game will provide Memphis with another opportunity to see how they stack up against top-tier competition.
Dain Dainja (#42) shoots over North Carolina’s Jaylen Washington (#13) during the Tigers’ exhibition game at FedExForum in the St. Jude Classic. (Photos: Terry Davis/ Tri-State Defender)
Memphis’ Colby Rodgers (#5) goes up for a dunk while North Carolina defenders scramble during the second half.
